Microsoft Confirms Fall Launch of Zune HD

By Joanna Stern | May 27, 2009 02:58 AM EST

Microsoft has been incrementally updating its Zune music player with software tweaks, but it is time for a whole new device. Today Microsoft confirmed that it will launch the next generation of the Zune this fall. The Zune HD, as its name implies is all about the high-definition. It has a built-in HD Radio receiver and high-definition video output capabilities. Additionally it will have a HD output that lets you playback 720p video files from the device through a HDMI docking station directly to an HDTV. It also has an OLED touch screen, Wi-Fi and an Internet browser. While we are a bit skeptical about the HD radio functionality (it just hasn’t really taken off), we are absolutely looking forward to seeing the new form factor. The OLED touch screen which will allow for fliping through music, movies and other content with multi-touch gestures sounds sweet. Zune also annouced that it will be a premium partner in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace and will bring TV and film to the platform.

Finally! Looks very encouraging. The device looks unique and that’s a good thing. And the OLED screen should help with readability and battery life. Will be interesting to see if the rumored iPod OLED screen materializes. If not this could be a bit of a game changer.

The HD video output, and the integration with XBox Live video marketplace are crucial moves. Hopefully the device has retained Wifi syncing, something the iPod Touch doesn’t offer. Would be nice if there was a connectorless charging cradle like the Pre’s Touchstone to make this all even more convenient.